Named Training & Competency Officer

The University Of Manchester; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous pension contribution

29 days annual leave + bank holidays

Flexible working policies

Ride to work scheme

EV car schemes

Job summary

The University of Manchester is seeking a motivated Named Training & Competency Officer (NTCO), NIO & 3Rs Manager to join the Biological Services Facility. You will work with an established network of NTCOs, NIOs, NACWOs and Named Veterinary Surgeons to lead training, competency governance and 3Rs strategies across research programs.

This statutory leadership role requires knowledge of ASPA, in vivo techniques, and a commitment to animal welfare.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and statutory responsibilities.
• Practical experience in in vivo biomedical research techniques and animal care standards.
• Commitment to animal welfare and 3Rs principles in practice.
• Strong communication and training skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience working within a multidisciplinary team of Named Persons and technical specialists.
• Degree in a life sciences discipline or equivalent professional experience.

Responsibilities

• Fulfilling statutory duties as NTCO and NIO under ASPA.
• Managing competence assessment and auditable records for licence holders and staff.
• Leading 3Rs strategies within the Experimental Support Group.
• Organising and delivering accredited training in in vivo techniques and licensing.
• Providing expert AWERB guidance on project reviews and licence compliance.

Skills

ASPA knowledge

In vivo techniques

Animal welfare commitment

Interpersonal training skills

Collaborative multidisciplinary work

Life sciences degree

Education

Degree in life sciences or equivalent

PhD in biological/life sciences (Desirable)

Job description

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative professional to join our collegiate team of existing Named Persons as the Named Training & Competency Officer (NTCO), NIO & 3Rs Manager within the Biological Services Facility (BSF). Working alongside our established network of NTCOs, NIOs, NACWOs, and Named Veterinary Surgeons, this statutory leadership role plays a vital part in upholding animal welfare, regulatory excellence, and research integrity across one of the UK's largest biomedical research environments. You will collaborate with peers to lead training, competency governance, and 3Rs strategies while supporting hundreds of world-class researchers and licence holders.

You will be responsible for:

• Fulfilling statutory duties as NTCO and NIO under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA)
• Managing the assessment, continuous professional development, and auditable record-keeping of competence for all personal licence holders and animal care staff
• Serving as 3Rs Manager and Lead for the Experimental Support Group, embedding Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement across all projects
• Organising and delivering accredited training courses in in vivo experimental techniques and regulatory licensing
• Contributing expert guidance to the Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB) on project reviews, procedural standards, and licence compliance

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

About You

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

Essential Criteria:

• Thorough knowledge of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and associated statutory responsibilities
• Substantial practical experience in in vivo biomedical research techniques and animal care standards
• Demonstrated commitment to animal welfare and practical application of the 3Rs
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with proven ability to train, assess, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders
• A proven track record of working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team of statutory Named Persons and technical specialists
• Degree in a relevant life sciences discipline or equivalent demonstrable professional experience

Desirable Criteria:

• A PhD or equivalent research qualification in a biological/life science field
• Previous experience serving as a statutory Named Person (NTCO/NIO/NACWO) or AWERB member
• Experience overseeing digital training registers and research support pipelines

Our benefits include:

• Generous employer pension contribution
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Flexible working policies, Ride to work, and EV car schemes

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews

Name: Dr Maria Kamper (Strategic Director, BSF)

Email Address: BSF Recruitment / [e-mail]

General enquiries and administrative support

[e-mail]

Technical and job portal support

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.